Novel bed linens

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes bed linens and methods for making and using the same in which a unitary bed cover includes a fitted sheet comprising a head portion, a foot portion; a left side; and a right side, wherein the fitted sheet comprises an elastic along one or more of its edges; and a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet, the straight sheet comprising a planar portion, two head portion corners and two foot portion corners, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion and the seam along the foot portions of the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are not sewn together.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general, to the field of bed linens, and more particularly, the systems and methods for the manufacture and use of unitary bed linens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with bed sheet.

One example of a bed sheet is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,778, issued to Ferrante, et al. for a double fitted sheet and method of making the same. Briefly, a double fitted sheet is disclosed in which a lower fitted sheet is formed to fit over the entire upper area of a mattress. An upper sheet, also formed to fit around the foot end of the mattress, is attached to the lower fitted sheet around the sides and foot portion. The head portion of the upper sheet is folded downwardly to facilitate ingress and egress between the upper and lower sheets.

More recently, a bed sheet assembly is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,851, issued to Crowell and teaches a connected bed sheet assembly. In this patent, a connected bed sheet assembly is described with a fitted bottom sheet and a top sheet aligned with and interconnected to the bottom sheet along a single aligned end and along a single aligned edge, thereby leaving one free end and one free edge. The fitted bottom sheet is formed to fully cover the upper surface of a mattress and extend over the sides and partially underneath the mattress to removably secure the assembly to the mattress. Elastic members are connected to a portion of the ends and edges of the bottom sheet for secure retention to the mattress. The top sheet extends over the bottom sheet from the interconnected end and edge and over the upper surface of the mattress with its free end adjacent to the head of the mattress and its free edge draping over the edge of the mattress.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,544, issued to Treece and assigned to Perfect Fit Industries, Inc. (Charlotte, N.C.) teaches a fitted mattress pad and method of forming a fitted mattress pad. More particularly, this patent shows a fitted mattress pad for covering the top and sides of a mattress includes a first layer of material, a second layer of material and a layer of batting intermediate the first and second layers. The pad also includes a skirt for covering the sides and ends of a mattress. One of the first and second layers is generally sized to a peripheral dimension to form the top platform of a mattress pad. The batting layer is generally sized to a peripheral dimension to form the top platform of a mattress pad. The skirt is an integral extension of one of the first or second layers of the mattress pad. The first layer, second layer and batting layer are joined together to form a unitary mattress pad.

Despite these recent advances in the industry, a need remains for a reliable sheet system that reduces or eliminated the need for constant re-making or redressing a bed. Also needed is a sheet system that reduce or eliminate that problem of “loose” sheets, which also require additional steps for installation and address the problem of sheets floating around on the floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventor began formulating the sheets, methods and systems disclosed herein to address critical. issues in the bed linen industry. The present invention addresses several of the critical needs of parents, hotels, hospital, nursing homes, long-distance hauling drivers, extended care facilities, and even prisons.

More particularly, a unitary bed cover that is a fitted sheet including a fitted sheet head portion; a fitted sheet foot portion; a fitted sheet left side; and a fitted sheet right side, wherein the fitted sheet left side and the fitted sheet right side are elastically connected to the fitted sheet head portion and the fitted sheet foot portion; and a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet with a straight sheet planar portion; a straight sheet head portion; a straight sheet foot portion; a straight sheet left side; and a straight sheet right side, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion. The bias-binding of the bed linen may also include an elastic disposed at the bias binding. The fitted sheet may fit and/or be used in conjunction with a standard bed, an aerobed, an airbed, a waterbed, a hospital bed, an eighteen-wheeler bed, a day bed, or an infant bed. The fitted sheet and the straight sheet may be made from a single connected sheet, cut along the foot portion between the fitted and the straight portion of the bed linen. In another embodiment, the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are separate sheets cut slightly different and connected together at the corners of the foot end of the fitted sheet and across the fitted foot end with the bias binding. The bias binding may be made from the same material as the fitted sheet, the straight sheet or -both. In another embodiment of the present invention, the wherein bias binding at the corners of the straight sheet strengthen and support the straight sheet, wherein the corners are sewn to the straight sheet along an open edge of the straight sheet into the curved area of an intersection of the corners of the straight sheet at the foot end. The fitted sheet and the straight sheet may be stitched together across the entire foot end of the fitted sheets, straight sheets and a wide elastic is sewn therewith into the bias binding and along the entire length of the fitted sheet foot portion and the straight sheet foot portion. The fitted sheet, the straight sheet or both comprises a fabric that is cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. In another embodiment, the straight sheet is defined further as comprising an opening in the head portion for use with patients that are in need of restraint.

In another embodiment, a unitary bed cover of the present invention includes a fitted sheet comprising a head portion, a foot portion; a left side; and a right side, wherein the fitted sheet comprises an elastic along one or more of its edges and a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet, the straight sheet comprising a planar portion, two head portion corners and two foot portion corners, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion and the seam along the foot portions of the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are not sewn together. The fitted sheet may be used with a standard bed, an aerobed, an airbed, a waterbed, a hospital bed, an eighteen-wheeler bed, a day bed, or an infant bed.

The present invention also include a method of making a bed with a unitary sheet by attaching a sheet to a standard bed, an aerobed, an airbed, a waterbed, a hospital bed, an eighteen-wheeler bed, a day bed, or an infant bed, the sheet comprising a fitted sheet comprising a head portion, a foot portion; a left side; and a right side, wherein the fitted sheet comprises an elastic along one or more of its edges; and

a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet, the straight sheet comprising a planar portion, two head portion corners and two foot portion corners, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion and the seam along the foot portions of the fitted sheet and the straight sheet is open. The bias binding may be made from the same material as the fitted sheet, the straight sheet or both.

It is important to note that in some embodiment the foot sides of the top sheet are open and not attached to the bottom sheet in the corners of the foot section as that is one feature that sets these separate from all the others. The bias binding gives the fabric the strength that is needed for durability that still allows the side ends at the foot to be left open and un-attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the standard mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the straight or top portion of the standard mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 show additional stitching that may be used with the standard mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the waterbed and air bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the straight or top portion of the waterbed and air bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show additional stitching that may be used with the waterbed and air bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the day-bed and/or tractor truck bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the straight or top portion of the day-bed and/or tractor truck bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 show additional stitching that may be used with the day-bed and/or tractor truck bed embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.

The present inventor began formulating the sheets, methods and systems disclosed herein to address critical issues in the bed linen industry. The present invention addresses several of the critical needs of parents, hotels, hospital, nursing homes, long-distance hauling drivers, extended care facilities, and even prisons. Types of beds that would benefit from using the present invention include, e.g., toddler, day, twin, queen, king, hospital, truck, dormitory beds, bunk beds, couches, cots, airplane, ship, military base or dormitory.

As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, the linens may be made from a wide variety of natural and/or artificial products and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the linens may include padding, absorbing materials, waterproof materials (e.g., to protect the underlying mattress) and combinations thereof. The bed linens of the present invention may even be partially or fully disposable.

Natural and artificial materials for use with the present invention include those well-known by consumers of linens and skilled artisans for making thread into textiles. Briefly, fibers for making textiles for use with the present invention include: animal, plant, mineral, synthetic or combinations thereof. Well-known textiles include silk, cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester and blends thereof. Animal textiles are commonly made from the hair or fur of an animal and include those from the down or other portions of the fur or even the skin (e.g., leather). Silk may be considered an animal textile because it is made from the fibers of the cocoon of the Chinese silkworm which is spun into a smooth, shiny fabric. Plant textiles include grass, rush, hemp, and sisal or fibers (primarily cellulose) obtained from pulpwood trees, cotton, rice, nettle, cotton, flax, jute, and modal are all used in clothing and linens. Another popular fiber is seaweed from which the water-soluble fiber alginate is extracted for making thread. Mineral textiles include glass fibers that serve as flame-retardant, protective and insulating fibers. Finally, synthetic textiles include polyester fibers used in all types of clothing, either alone or blended with fibers such as cotton, Acrylic, Nylon, Lycra, spandex, tactel, olefin (a common thermal fiber used in activewear, linings and warm clothing), lurex (a metallic fiber) and ingeo (a fiber blend that wicks away perspiration). Of course, any of these fibers may be used alone or in combination from 0.1 to 100%. In one embodiment the linens are made from 100% cotton knit fabric that is non-allergenic, non-static and non-abrasive to skin. For patient care, knitted fabrics are gentle to the skin and are cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter.

The novel bed linens of the present invention address, in one specific example, the problems of children undressing their beds and playing with the linens. Children removing their bed linens causes extensive wear and tear on the linens (and the parents) from the on-going stream of laundry and constant re-making or redressing his bed before nap-time and retiring at night. In addition to the above problem, there was the constant threat and problem of.“loose” sheets floating around on the floor which could result in a slip-and-fall accident in which one could be hurt or injured even very seriously. The present invention addresses this critical problem and others, as described hereinbelow.

Another day-to-day problem with existing bed linen designs related to infants and toddlers. When placed in their beds to sleep, infants and toddlers (and some adults) kick or pull their covers off, thus allowing their bodies to become uncomfortably cool or exposed to the elements or, conversely, covering their face thereby reducing air flow to the individual for extended periods of time. Those that are not aware or in control of their faculties often covers their face and head and are too small or incompetent to comprehend how to remove it. Overhead covers often leads to panic because the face and head are covered and the individual is incapable of removing them. In another setting, it is possible for an individual to pull the covers overhead to hide that they are asleep, creating a danger to caretakers and caregivers when approaching the individual.

The present invention addresses these and other needs by reducing or eliminating the opportunity for straight bed sheets to be pulled from the fitted sheets. One unique feature of the present invention is that, unlike well-known “stitched” straight and fitted sheets, which are well known in the art, the present invention addressed the problem of ripping at the interface between the two sheets. While sheets stitched along the foot-end of the straight and fitted sheet is well-known, the short longevity of these sheets is also well-known. The present inventor, through years of studying the failure of linens and cloth, recognized the design and critical engineering of the linens required a sturdy solution that used techniques known to skilled seamstresses while at the same time providing the novel designs of the present invention.

While addressing the critical engineering issues related to ripping and the short lifespan for common “stitched” designs, the present inventor also recognized and solved additional problems in the sheet and linen industry. For example, the present invention addressed the issue that sheets just simply will not stay on the mattress, often because the fitted and/or straight sheets shrank too much, are too small and or too short or narrow for the mattress, or not deep enough to adequately cover the mattress. Having shrunk, the sheet corners no longer hug the mattress corners properly or encap the bottom of the mattress corners leading to tossing and turning, pulling and tugging during sleep causes the sheets to come off the mattress. The new design sizes are also slightly over-cut to allow for fabric shrinkage, therefore, if shrinking occurs with laundering, there is still ample sizing for good and proper fit on the mattress. Thus, the present invention solves the problem of not having the sheets become dislodged, thereby increasing sleep comfort and rest. It has been found that the sheets fit the pillow-top mattresses and will not become dislodged during sleep.

Next, it was found that the present invention addresses issues related to feet hang off the foot of the bed. This issue is particularly important to tall persons who just never seem to be able to get their entire body on the bed at the same time. With traditional sheets, those individuals that are tall, large boned or obese find that sheets will not stay tucked under the foot of the mattress and which when loose, allow the feet to be uncovered. In addition to the obvious discomfort to the individual, the entire bed sheet assembly must be removed and the bed made on a daily basis. The alternative, common “stitched” fitted and straight sheets fail with greater frequency and are considered uncomfortable by the tall and large because they feel that their feet are compressed by the angle formed between the sheets leading to the “stitching”, that is, they feel like their feet are compressed into, e.g., a wedge. Furthermore, when the feet are covered and not allowed to become exposed and cold, one generally will rest much better and more comfortably. The present invention addressed there problems by maximizing the longevity of the sheet assembly, while at the same time, maximizing comfort for the tall and large by, in the open end embodiment, allowing the central portion of the foot portion of the fitted and straight sheets to remain open. By having an open end (expect for the corners, as described in detail hereinbelow) the bed user has maximum comfort and the safety and longevity of the sheet assembly provided herein. The novel bed linens of the present invention also eliminate the need for remaking the bed because the sheets became untucked from the accommodation of the extra body length beyond the end of the mattress.

Another critical problem addressed by the present invention is the need for the user to have a warm and comfortable rest. The present invention has been found to be very beneficial to persons with arthritis or poor circulation. The joints of a person with arthritis are easy to irritate or become inflamed, thus making them very sore, painful, and inhibiting. Cold temperatures allow chilling of the bones and joints are a critical problem for these patients, especially when bed ridden for extended periods of time or chronically. The lower extremities generally stay much warmer with the present invention, while at the same time reducing the need for these same individuals, already having difficulties with simple manual tasks, to make their bed with greatly reduced frequency and with greater ease. It has been found that the present invention reduces the pain, joint inflammation and difficulty for the arthritic patient to make and user their beds.

Another problem solved by the present invention is the critical problem associated with making a bed for those that are arthritic or disabled. The unitary sheet of the present invention is ergonomic and user-friendly for persons with disabilities of the extremities. The present invention eliminates the need for the user to tug and/or pull separate sheets, however, unlike simple “stitched” sheets, using the present invention there is a greatly reduced need to “fan” the sheets in the air to spread out evenly on the bed in the open bottom design as air is able to traverse the open end. Furthermore, by having an open end at the foot portion, the present invention eliminates the problems associated with items becoming stuck or lodged in the angular portion between the fitted sheet and the straight sheet. In critical care situations eliminating the build-up of debris (e.g., skin, nails, hair, dressings, etc.) and can be very important to reduce contamination between patients in a hospital, hotel or prison setting. The build up of debris is also offensive to most users and is uncomfortable when a person is trying to sleep and they feel items at their feet. The present invention is also beneficial to the disabled because it eliminated the need to make multiple trips back and forth around the bed, as a single assembly step is required without the need to tuck the fitted and then the straight sheet are multiple locations. Even is a person is not permanently disabled or physically challenged in a chronic way, the novel bed linens of the present invention are simple enough for a young child to help make the bed. By eliminating multiple trips for the disabled user, the novel bed linens of the present invention have been found to improve the users rest, and spare these disabled persons much frustration and wasted energy and time associated with making a standard or hospital bed, which often includes one or possibly two trips around the bed is to accomplish the bed making task. For those disabled and wheel-chair bound users, with walkers, canes, or crutches, it was found that the present invention provides tremendous benefit as the users have increased self sufficiency.

The present invention also addresses the needs of those users that lack time to do some needed and desired tasks or activities, like making one or many beds. While the home comes immediately to mind, that fact is that hotels, hospitals, extended care facilities and prisons have many, many times the need for a time-effective, simple bed linen that is easily attached and removed, that can survive hundreds and thousands of wash cycles and that does not require any additional training for the user. Not having to constantly remake the bed and perhaps being able to make the bed in as little as one, two, or maybe three minutes, frees that “extra” time spent making the bed with the conventional sheets as we know them and gives the opportunity to do something else, that “lack of” time previously had prevented. In a hospital, hotel or prison setting, the extra time that is saved from the bed making process can increase the time spent on other more detailed cleaning and organizational tasks. It also cuts in almost half the time needed to fold the linens as the unitary structure eliminates the need to identify, separate and put back together matching sheets.

Finally, the present invention helps those individuals and business that use the present invention to save money by eliminating the necessity for purchasing more and more and next-size sheets, which are becoming more difficult to find in individual sheets. The present invention addresses the economic needs of tall and large individuals who have a need for the extra-tall pillow-top mattresses with sheets that will stay on them. The novel bed linens of the present invention come off with decreased frequency from the mattress and may be anchored with wide elastic bands that aid to maintain sheet integrity at the mattress site. By increasing the longevity of unitary sheets, the present invention reduced the cost to the consumer and business that can be passed on to others.

For business, the novel bed lines of the present invention actually save money for the business that use bed sheets in its operation, both for the physical item and in the expense for the attachment, detachment and cleaning portions of the laundry and room service. By requiring less steps to make the bed, less time is required to complete the room service task, thereby reducing labor costs. Time saved can be repurposed for more productive and efficient service.

It has also been found that the present invention helps teach even a child as young as two or three years of age responsibility in straightening his/her bed upon rising. Many of these small children welcome this responsibility as it allows them to feel more independent and more “grown-up”. Many adolescents welcome this as it makes their responsibility less time consuming and much easier to accomplish. For the adult who just simply dislikes the bed making task it eliminates half the steps needed to keep a neat, tidy, and well-kept appearance. For anyone using sheets on his or her bed, or being using them in their business, there's sure to be at least one problem solved.

Some of the “unique” and “different” structural features of the novel bed linens of the present invention are found in the engineering and failure analysis of current designs. Current unitary designs that rely on “stitching” across the foot end portion of both the fitted and straight or top sheet fail at the ends, where the user pulls or tugs at the straight or top sheet leading to the fraying or separation of the fibers at the corners and/or ends of the attachment. Briefly, it was found by the present inventor that these prior art designs, in which the corners are formed at or about 90° angles rip at the apex of the angle formed between the fitted and the straight sheet. Failure occurs at the apex of the angle either at the sheets themselves and/or at the stitching.

As will be known to those of skill in the art, a “bias binding” refers to as a finish of varying width that encases an edge, however, in the present application the bias binding is used for its structural strength at the corners of the fitted or bottom sheet and the straight or top sheet. Bias binding is generally serves only an ornamental purpose. Commonly, the bias binding is formed at the edge to be bound by making a line of stay-stitching ¾″ from the raw edge. Next, a ⅝″ seam allowance can be carefully trimmed. If the edge is curved, as will often be the shape in the present application, the strip is shaped accordingly.

In one example, the bias binding is a hand-cut bias strip formed by cutting a strip 4 times as wide as the finished width desired. The strip may be pre-creased for easy application. A fold is made in the fabric in half lengthwise, right side out; steam-pressed firmly; folded again in half and pressed again. Next, pin or baste the right side of the opened-out strip to the right side of fabric, with raw edges even (often with the free edge of strip creased upward for easier visibility of the operation); if ends are to be joined it is sometimes preferable to stitch along a first crease to hold down the fabric. For a hand-finish, the free edge is turned under on the crease. Slipstitch to line of stitching.

For a concealed machine finish, also known in the art as “stitch in the ditch”; roll the underside of the strip so the free creased edge reaches slightly beyond the line of stitching. With right side of garment up, “stitch in the ditch”—that is, on garment fabric but closely alongside the binding, so as to catch the creased edge underneath. Thread color, well matched to garment fabric, is important here.

For a so-called, “Hong Kong” finish as an edge trimming where the inside will not show, cut strips a little narrower; do not pre-crease. Finish one edge with a zigzag stitch and stitch other edge to fabric edge, right sides together. Fold strips to wrong side and “stitch in the ditch” on the right side.

For sheer or very lightweight fabrics, the bias binding may be in the form of a French Binding. First, cut strips 6 times as wide as finished width desired. Next, fold the strip in half lengthwise, right side out and press. To hold the assembly at this step, pin or baste the raw edges of folded fabric strip to the right side of garment (with all edges even). Finally, stitch at a distance from the edge exactly equal to the finished width and press the strip up; fold to wrong side over all raw edges. For a “hand-finish,” slipstitch the folded edge to stitching line.

Instead of making the bias binding strips from the same material as the fitted sheet and the straight sheet (using the same fabric has the advantage of the fabric matching in terms of materials, color, tensile strength and weaving), packaged bias strips may be purchased. Briefly, a ¼″ finished width is formed from fabric that may be a ½″ single fold bias tape. The packaged bias strips are attached and stitched in the same way as the hand-cut bias strip, with one fold opened out, however, on a packaged strip both creases are turned upward. For a concealed machine finish, the first stitching is made within the seam allowance, close to or at the crease. Other types of packaged bias strips include ¼″ finished width double fold bias tape that is pre-folded with one side slightly wider than the other apply in the same way as the hand-cut bias strip. Another packaged bias strips has a ½″ finished width, using 1″ single fold bias tape (also known as a wide bias tape). Other forms of bias binding include the quick topstitched binding in which has a ¼″ finished width formed using, e.g., using double fold bias tape. For the quick topstitch bias binding having a ½″ finished width, it is common to use a 1″ Single Fold Bias Tape by making into a double fold by folding it in half lengthwise with one side slightly wider than the other and pressed. Alternatively, the bias binding may be a regular topstitched bias binding in which a ½″ or 1″ single fold tape is used, depending on the final finished width desired.

Turning now to the figures of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the standard mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention in which the fitted sheet 10 is depicted. The fitted sheet 10 has a sleeping area 12 in the middle, shown here in an expanded pre-stitched form so that the sides of the sheet 14, the foot or end portion 18 of the fitted sheet 10 and the top or head portion 16 of the fitted sheet 10 are depicted.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the straight or top portion of the standard mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention in which the straight or top sheet 20 is depicted with a sleeping area 30 in the middle, shown here in an expanded pre-stitched form so that the location for the attachment at the bias binding 24, sides 26 of the straight sheet 20, the foot or end portion 28 of the straight sheet 20 and the top or head portion with a hem 22 of the straight sheet 20 are depicted.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the stitching that may be used with the standard mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention to connect the fitted sheet 10 with the straight sheet 20 along the bias binding 24. Briefly, elastic 32 is stitched along the ends of the foot portion 28 of the straight sheet 20 with a hem 22 at the opposite end. A open seam 34 is shown, which is open along edge 36 of the sides 26, but is stitched with the bias biding 24. FIG. 4 shows the assembled portion of the fitted sheet 10 to which the assembled top sheet 20 is attached at the bias binding 24.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the waterbed and air bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention shown as a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the standard mattress -embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention in which the fitted sheet 10 is depicted. The fitted sheet 10 has a sleeping area 12 in the middle, shown here in an expanded pre-stitched form so that the sides of the sheet 14, the foot or end portion 18 of the fitted sheet 10 and the top or head portion 16 of the fitted sheet 10 are depicted. A fabric triangles 38 are depicted which are placed under the fitted portion of the corners of the fitted sheet 10 under a bed (not depicted) and stitched so as to form a triangular “pocket” to provide a surface area on which the weight of the mattress helps to held the fitted sheet 10 in place. The use of fabric triangles is not limited to water and/or air beds, but will also find particular uses with or without an elastic 32 at the ends of fitted sheets 10. Often, the internal angles in the fabric triangle may be 38 degrees.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the straight or top portion of the waterbed and air bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention in which the straight or top sheet 20 is depicted with a sleeping area 30 in the middle, shown here in an expanded pre-stitched form so that the location for the attachment at the bias binding 24, sides 26 of the straight sheet 20, the foot or end portion 28 of the straight sheet 20 and the top or head portion with a hem 22 of the straight sheet 20 are depicted.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show additional stitching that may be used with the waterbed and air bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention to connect the fitted sheet 10 with the straight sheet 20 along the bias binding 24. Briefly, elastic 32 is stitched along the ends of the foot portion 28 of the straight sheet 20 with a hem 22 at the opposite end. A open seam 34 is shown, which is open along edge 36 of the sides 26, but is stitched with the bias biding 24. FIG. 4 shows the assembled portion of the fitted sheet 10 to which the assembled top sheet 20 is attached at the bias binding 24.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the day-bed and/or tractor truck bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention shown as a top view of the fitted or bottom portion of the standard mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention in which the fitted sheet 10 is depicted. The fitted sheet 10 has a sleeping area 12 in the middle, shown here in an expanded pre-stitched form so that the sides of the sheet 14, the foot or end portion 18 of the fitted sheet 10 and the top or head portion 16 of the fitted sheet 10 are depicted. In this embodiment, the sides 14, the head portion 16 and/or the foot portion of the fitted sheet 10 may be at least in part from an elastic or an expandable material, such as SPANDEX® or LYCRA®. In the embodiment depicted, the sides 14, the head portion 16 and/or the foot portion of the fitted sheet 10 are cut separately from the sleeping area 12 and are stitched to the sleeping area 12 of the fitted sheet 10.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the straight or top portion of the day-bed and/or tractor truck bed mattress embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention in which the straight or top sheet 20 is depicted with a sleeping area 30 in the middle, shown here in an expanded pre-stitched form so that the location for the attachment at the bias binding 24, sides 26 of the straight sheet 20, the foot or end portion 28 of the straight sheet 20 and the top or head portion with a hem 22 of the straight sheet 20 are depicted.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show additional stitching that may be used with the day-bed and/or tractor truck bed embodiment of the bed linen of the present invention to connect the fitted sheet 10 with the straight sheet 20 along the bias binding 24. Briefly, elastic 32 is stitched along the ends of the foot portion 28 of the straight sheet 20 with a hem 22 at the opposite end. A open seam 34 is shown, which is open along edge 36 of the sides 26, but is stitched with the bias biding 24. FIG. 4 shows the assembled portion of the fitted sheet 10 to which the assembled top sheet 20 is attached at the bias binding 24. In this embodiment, the sides 14, the head portion 16 and/or the foot portion of the fitted sheet 10 may be at least in part from an elastic or an expandable material, such as SPANDEX® or LYCRA®, but the edge 36 remains open at the bias binding 24.

The present invention overcomes the failure rate of the prior art by taking advantage of a bias-binding-type stitching that takes into account not only the alignment of the fibers but in some cases the actual compatibility of the textile or other materials that form a bias-binded contact point at the corners of the fitted sheet and its attachment points to the straight or top sheet. The top sheet and bottom are attached at the corners by a bias-binding, in which the parallel and anti-parallel direction of the stitching of the fabric is used to form the overlap between the fitted and top sheet at the corner along with the additional fabric that forms an orthogonal angle with the direction of the fabric at the corner attachment site.

Unlike the attachment found with waterbed sheets and unitary sheets currently in the retail market, which are fully attached at the foot end, the foot ends of the present invention are sewn together at the corners and across the width of the entire end but may be optionally left unattached in the middle of the foot end while yet remaining attached at the corners especially for those needing that extra air circulation such as for the diabetic patient. The corner ends of the sides on the top sheet are hemmed and left with the central portion between the sheets at the foot end remains with free movement. The added free movement gives an added comfort feature for those desiring to have their feet and lower legs exposed to air and not covered. The added free movement also allows the top sheet to cover the feet and legs in a lighter and non-binding feel for those desiring their feet and legs fully covered. The open end feature is also beneficial for the infant and toddler in such manner that while the child cannot pull all the cover over the face and head—should he or she turn themselves around in their bed and present with their head at the foot of their bed and get their head under the cover—air can still circulate under the cover and with the top sheet being attached to the bottom, it is not possible for the cover to totally encase the face and head in the same manner as “loose” sheets, blankets and comforters. By having attachment points at the corners the bed linen of the present invention provides limitations the top sheets' availability to “wrap” the face and head. Ultimately, the attachment of the sheets reduces the risks of suffocation and strangulation.

Wide bands of elastic will often be used on all sheets where elastic is used. In fact, it is possible to include an elastic at the bias binding to help support, structurally, the bias binding itself The design and construction of the bottom sheet, although not vastly different from the conventional unitary sheets currently found in retail markets, is slightly over-sized to allow for any fabric shrinkage but also laps farther under the mattress on the sides and corners, which gives them a better and more stable and “secure” fit. The overage in the sheet size may be 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 or even 15% larger in width and/or area than traditional fitted sheets. The style and construction of the new sheets for the standard beds and the waterbeds are identical with one exception, the sheets for the standard mattress are elasticized for, approximately twelve (12) inches on the side ends and across the total width of the end both at that the head and foot. For use with waterbed or air beds, the bed linens of the present invention may include a deep cut under pocket (or fabric triangle) at each corner, which may also have a wide elastic banded edge for added anchoring on the water mattress and air mattress (frequently used in the medical fields). The cornering and angular pocket design gives that “secure” fit and anchors water and air beds to stay on the mattresses until they are intentionally removed for laundering, etc. With these large pockets, the movement on the mattresses will not and does not dislodge them. The added width of the top sheet for the waterbeds, over those currently in retail markets, provides greater comfort from the edge to the edge of the water mattresses, whether the person sleeps near the edge or toward the center of the bed.

The novel bed linens of the present invention also provide the desired service for the 18-wheel tractor-trucks and will not become dislodged even with the extreme vibrations that are common with these units. There are sizes, to accommodate virtually almost every bed currently on the market today with specialty sizes optional with custom orders. The design of these sheets is practical and far more serviceable than others on the market today with all the benefits they afford the owners and users.

Importantly, it was found that in testing the construction of these sheets that the present invention does not affect other “covers” such as blankets and comforters placed on the beds for infants, adolescents, or adults, and will not prevent the infant or mentally impaired adolescent or adult from being able to “wrap” those such bed covers around or about the face and head resulting in any strangulation or suffocation injuries.

In conclusion, the present invention includes a variety of special and unique design and engineering features that address the needs of users, including: (1) Bottom & Top Sheets uniquely attached unlike any others; (2) Sheets stay on bed, not on floor; (3) they reduce the risk of child suffocation and choking from “loose” bedding; (4) they save time because the bed may be made in as little as 60 sec.; and (5) it saves multiple steps, the bed may be made with only one trip around bed. Other advantages of the present invention include that energy savings to the individual (no pulling, tugging, tucking, & fanning of sheets), it is ideal for bunk-beds and children's beds, and small child can learn to make his/her own bed. For water and air bed or mattress users, it has also been found that the novel bed linens of the present invention stay on the water or air mattress.

Other advantages of the present invention have been found with patients with arthritic & circulatory problems find them helpful as they stay warmer in sleep being covered. For tall and large persons the novel bed linens taught herein allow for the feet to stay covered & warmer during sleep. In particular embodiments, it is possible to over-size the bed linens to better fit after repeated laundering, which may also include premium wide-band elastic. In certain application it may be preferable to use high quality cotton percale for softer feel, more comfort, & durability (unless special ordered otherwise).

For medical and extended case application the present invention increases the likelihood that the mattress will both fit and stay-on the bed. For example, the bed linens taught herein will find particular application for use in patients with reduced faculties, e.g., Alzheimer or other patients with dementia or other conditions can't dislodge top sheet from bed. The incapacity may be acute, e.g., the time between the end of surgery under general anesthesia and when the patient awakes. In certain embodiments of the present invention a “V” or “U”-shaped cut may be made from or into the top sheet such that the ends may be trapped down by the head portion of the bed to hold-down or restrain the patient, while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the unitary sheet at the corner bias binding between the fitted and the straight sheet. It has also been found that the design of the present invention makes it idea for use with hospital Beds (including air mattresses) because the novel bed linens taught herein stay on until removed. Finally, those individuals that are temporarily or permanent disabled (e.g., wheelchair bound patients) can make their own beds easily thus providing more independence for the individual.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, MB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A unitary bed cover comprising: a fitted sheet comprising: a fitted sheet head portion; a fitted sheet foot portion; a fitted sheet left side; and a fitted sheet right side, wherein the fitted sheet left side and the fitted sheet right side are elastically connected to the fitted sheet head portion and the fitted sheet foot portion; and a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet comprising: a straight sheet planar portion; a straight sheet head portion; a straight sheet foot portion; a straight sheet left side; and a straight sheet right side, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion.
 2. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the bias-binded further comprises an elastic disposed at the bias binding.
 3. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the fitted sheet is for use with a standard bed, an aerobed, an airbed, a waterbed, a hospital bed, an eighteen-wheeler bed, a day bed, or an infant bed.
 4. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are made from a single connected sheet.
 5. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are separate sheets cut slightly different and connected together at the corners of the foot end of the fitted sheet and across the fitted foot end with the bias binding.
 6. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the bias binding is made from the same material as the fitted sheet, the straight sheet or both.
 7. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein bias binding at the corners of the straight sheet strengthen and support the straight sheet, wherein the corners are sewn to the straight sheet along an open edge of the straight sheet into the curved area of an intersection of the corners of the straight sheet at the foot end.
 8. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are stitched together across the entire foot end of the fitted and straight sheets and a wide elastic is sewn therewith into the bias binding and along the entire length of the fitted sheet foot portion and the straight sheet foot portion.
 9. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the fitted sheet attaches to the one-or more second sheets by stitching.
 10. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the fitted sheet, the straight sheet or both comprises a fabric that is cotton or a cotton/polyester blend.
 11. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the straight sheet is defined as further comprising an opening in the head portion for use with patients that are in need of restraint.
 12. A unitary bed cover comprising: a fitted sheet comprising a head portion, a foot portion; a left side; and a right side, wherein the fitted sheet comprises an elastic along one or more of its edges; and a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet, the straight sheet comprising a planar portion, two head portion corners and two foot portion corners, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion and the seam along the foot portions of the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are not sewn together.
 13. The bed cover of claim 12, wherein the fitted sheet is for use with a standard bed, an aerobed, an airbed, a waterbed, a hospital bed, an eighteen-wheeler bed, a day bed, or an infant bed.
 14. The bed cover of claim 12, wherein the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are separate sheets cut slightly different and connected together at the corners of the foot end of the fitted sheet and across the fitted foot end with the bias binding.
 15. The bed cover of claim 12, wherein the bias binding is made from the same material as the fitted sheet, the straight sheet or both.
 16. The bed cover of claim 12, wherein the fitted sheet, the straight sheet or both comprises a fabric that is cotton or a cotton/polyester blend.
 17. The bed cover of claim 12, wherein the straight sheet is defined as further comprising an opening in the head portion for use with patients that are in need of restraint.
 18. A method of making a bed with a unitary sheet comprising: attaching a sheet to a standard bed, an aerobed, an airbed, a waterbed, a hospital bed, an eighteen-wheeler bed, a day bed, or an infant bed, the sheet comprising a fitted sheet comprising a head portion, a foot portion; a left side; and a right side, wherein the fitted sheet comprises an elastic along one or more of its edges; and a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet, the straight sheet comprising a planar portion, two head portion corners and two foot portion corners, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion and the seam along the foot portions of the fitted sheet and the straight sheet is open.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bias binding is made from the same material as the fitted sheet, the straight sheet or both.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the fitted sheet of the one or more second sheets comprises a fabric that is cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. 